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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Day
Reveals Staggering Statistics on Undetected Disease
To mark World COPD Day, November 19, 2003, leading lung experts are adopting a new approach to tackle the dangerously low rates of diagnosis in COPD. Hundreds of millions of people struggle with the effects of COPD, but it remains among the most under-diagnosed and under-treated of the world's major killers. Currently it is estimated that up to 50% of people with the disease worldwide are undiagnosed.
Here are some statistics:
- COPD is the 4th leading cause of death in the U.S.
- It affects up to 600,000,000 worldwide.
- COPD kills an estimated 2.74 million people each year.
- Cigarette smoke is the primary cause of COPD.
"Could it be COPD? Is it COPD? These are two of the essential questions that should be considered early when a patient reports symptoms of difficulty breathing, or frequent cough and/or sputum production,"according to pulmonologist Richard Kops, M.D., Medical Director of Respiratory Care and Pulmonary Rehabilitation at Mt. Diablo Medical Center. "The diagnosis is quite easy to confirm with simple office spirometry testing. This is important because the earlier management can be initiated, the more effective the treatment."
"Let World COPD Day be a reminder that a solution to this growing global health problem may well be in your doctor's office or clinic right now," he adds. "Make sure that if you have any problems with breathing, that your health care provider looks carefully for chronic pulmonary disease."
Valerie Schneider, M.D., Medical Director of Respiratory Care and Pulmonary Rehabilitation at John Muir Medical Center, finds that COPD is one of the most common diagnoses seen in her practice. "It continues to amaze me how many patients with lung disease continue to smoke, despite the known dangers. We need to be aware that dyspnea (difficulty breathing) is often tolerated for many years before a patient seeks medical attention. It may be subtle, but does require a workup. A second-hand smoking history from home or the workplace is a significant risk factor that is often overlooked. Before we can offer the care and education that improves quality of life, we must first recognize and diagnose the disease."
The National Institutes of Health has published The Global Strategy for the Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. The study listed the following 4 components of COPD management:
- * Assess and monitor the disease
- * Reduce risk factors
- * Manage stable COPD
- * Manage exacerbations
Drs. Kops and Schneider emphasize that a key element in the Guidelines is the recommendation that Pulmonary Rehabilitation should play a major role in the treatment of COPD.
For more information on COPD or the Health System's Pulmonary Rehabilitation programs, call (925) 674-2351.
(Posted October 29, 2003)